please help with SANTORINI hotel decision
 

I'm trying to help my in-laws, who are in their late 60s/early 70s plan a 45th wedding anniversary trip to Santorini!
They have been to Greece several times, but never to Santorini. They are fairly active and fit, so I don't think stairs are a major issue (unless there are tons of them), but I'd love for them to have a caldera view and they need to stick to a budget around 200-225 euro per night.

These are a few I've found via tripadvisor, but would love any expert fodorites advice!

Chelidonia Villas
Dana Villas
Volcano's Villas
Delfini Rooms
Rocabella Suites (couldn't find prices on their website!--might be a bad sign!)

Thank you in advance. I'm obviously open to suggestions other than the hotels above!

Dina

All the hotels you've mentioned are worth considering, although Rocabella is situated in No-Man's Land between Imerovigli and Oia. If they stayed there it would be necessary for them to rent a car or take to bus to see anything else on the island. Dana Villas are in Firostephani, a short walk from the main village of Fira, which is a convenient location if maximum shopping and restaurant access is a requirement. The rest are on the north end of the island, in Oia.

Chelidonia is in the heart of Oia, just below the main square and the big church, an excellent location. Delfini is just about 500 meters south. To me either of these would be good choices, although neither has a pool if that's a consideration. Volcano's Villas is further out of the center of Oia, although still within easy strolling distance, and it does have a pool.

Thanks, Brotherleelove!
I had a feeling you would be a great help!

I'm not familiar with Oia or Firostephani, but how do they compare in terms of strolling around near your hotel and/or scenery/charm. Is Oia the more desirable location?

Thanks again!
Dina

In my opinion Oia is the best and most beautiful village. It's quiet, has no "singles" nightlife, but does have many excellent restaurants and shops, just not as many as Fira. Because it's on the north end it will take extra time to get to the rest of the island, but the bus is reliable and safe, or they can rent a car or take a taxi (10 euro to Fira).

For strolling and enjoying the views, Oia wins hands down. It also offers unobstructed sunset views. The "scenery" is mostly limited to the sea views. Santorini is not an island with a lot of greenery. It's pretty barren. There are a couple of archaeological sites and some small museums, but as far as I know the main site of Akrotiri is closed for awhile because of a roof collapsing last summer.

Thanks, that's great information. Now, I"ll just try to get some rates from these places!

I agree that Oia is positively breathtaking, and I am sure would be a fantastic place to stay. Hard to go wrong. Those sunsets every night? Wow.

My wife and I stayed in Dana Villas (Firostephani) two years ago for our honeymoon, and found it to be incredibly convenient to Fira -- no more than a 10 or 15 minute walk along the top of the cliff. Our room had a breathtaking view of the caldera, as I believe every room there does. For us, it was nice to be able to walk into Fira every evening, have dinner, maybe sip a few drinks peering out over the water, and then stroll back in the Aegean breeze to our room. I have fond memories of picking up a bottle of 'Lava' (a local Santorini wine), two bags of olives, a basket of tomaotoes, and a hunk of feta cheese on our walk back to Firostephani one night; we sat outside on our villa's balcony, reveling in the breeze and just appreciating the view.

Either way, your experience will be quite amazing. Have a wonderful time!

oh... that sounds SO nice! I wish I were going!

I think I"ve narrowed it down to Volcano Villas in Oia or Dana Villas in Firostefani (a little worried about the stairs, though).
Thanks for all your help so far!
Dina

I don't know about Dana Villas but I don't think the stairs at Volcano's Villas are too bad, although anything on the cliff with a caldera view means having to do some stair climbing.

My wife and I stayed at Volcano's Villas in 2004 and found it nice. It is on the eastern edge of Oia and about a 10-15 minute walk to the centre. There are only a dozen or so stairs to the pool/cliff level. You can walk to Oia on the main road sidewalk (no stairs) or stroll on a path along the cliff. It's fairly level.If you don't have a car the bus stop is right out front. All rooms have a nice caldera view.

I can easily remember sitting on the balcony in the post sunset evening with a glass of Santo wine watching the lights of Imerovigli and Firostefani twinkling on the distant cliffs.

I know why brotherleelove2004 likes the area so much.

Guilty as charged ;)

I stayed at Sun Rocks Villas, near Dana Villas in Firostephani. There were lots of stairs. It was about 70 stairs down to the breakfast area from our room, and about 100 (no exaggeration) from the breakfast area to the path leading to town. If your in-laws have a problem with stairs, maybe the flatter part of the island is more appropriate.

Look at photos of Santorini, especially where the buildings are built into the cliff. That should give you an idea of how up and down it is.

Yes, I can see it's on a cliff!
The Dana Villas owner told me he could put my parents near the top, which only has 40 stairs to the main street.
However, it could still mean many steps to the pool/breafast room?
I REALLY appreciate all of your input and advice.
You guys are the best!
Dina

We stayed at Dana Villa in aroom near the top. It is 125 steps down to the pool dining area. But room service is offered.